At Site Environmental & Remediation Services (SERS), where we prioritise the health and safety of your workplace through comprehensive occupational noise monitoring services. Excessive noise in the workplace can lead to serious health issues, including hearing loss and increased stress levels. At SERS, we conduct thorough noise assessments in accordance with legislated requirements across Australia, ensuring compliance and protection for all employees. Our team of suitably trained and accredited staff uses state-of-the-art equipment to deliver precise and reliable results.
Importance of Occupational Noise Monitoring
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a significant occupational health issue. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause irreversible damage to be hearing, leading to communication difficulties, social isolation, and decreased quality of life. Effective noise monitoring helps identify hazardous noise levels, allowing for the implementation of control measures to protect workers’ hearing and overall well-being.
Legislative Requirements
Our noise monitoring services adhere to the National Standard for Occupational Noise [NOHSC: 1007(2000)] and the National Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work [SWA: 2024]. These standards set the exposure limit at an average daily noise level of 85 decibels (dB) over an 8-hour period, with a peak noise level not exceeding 140 dB. Compliance with these standards is crucial for minimizing the risk of NIHL and ensuring a safe working environment.
Our Services
SERS offers a comprehensive range of occupational noise monitoring services designed to meet the specific needs of various industries. Our services include:
Noise Assessments
We conduct detailed noise assessments to evaluate the noise levels in your workplace. Our assessments include:
- Baseline Noise Surveys: Measuring the overall noise levels in different areas of the workplace to identify high-risk zones.
- Personal Noise Dosimetry: Using wearable noise dosimeters to monitor individual workers’ exposure to noise throughout their shifts.
- Task-Based Noise Assessments: Evaluating noise levels associated with specific tasks or equipment to identify sources of excessive noise.
Noise Control Recommendations
Based on the results of our noise assessments, we provide practical recommendations for noise control measures. These may include:
- Engineering Controls: Modifying or replacing equipment to reduce noise at the source.
- Administrative Controls: Implementing changes in work practices, such as rotating workers to minimize exposure.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Advising on the selection and use of hearing protection devices.
Compliance Reporting
We prepare detailed compliance reports that document the findings of our noise assessments and the effectiveness of implemented control measures. Our reports include:
- Noise Level Measurements: Detailed data on noise levels in different areas and tasks.
- Exposure Assessments: Analysis of individual workers’ noise exposure compared to the regulatory limits.
- Control Measures: Recommendations for reducing noise exposure and protecting workers’ hearing.
- Follow-Up Assessments: Periodic re-assessments to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness of control measures.
Australian Standards
Our noise monitoring services are conducted in accordance with the relevant Australian standards, including:
- AS/NZS 1269.1:2005: Occupational noise management – Measurement and assessment of noise immission and exposure.
- AS/NZS 1269.2:2005: Occupational noise management – Noise control management.
- AS/NZS 1269.3:2005: Occupational noise management – Hearing protector program.
These standards provide guidelines for measuring and assessing noise exposure, implementing noise control measures, and managing hearing protection programs. Compliance with these standards ensures that our services meet the highest levels of accuracy and reliability.
Contents of a Full Occupational Workplace Noise Survey
A full occupational workplace noise survey conducted by SERS includes the following components:
Preliminary Assessment
- Site Inspection: A thorough inspection of the workplace to identify potential noise sources and high-risk areas.
- Consultation with Management and Workers: Gathering information on work practices, equipment, and any existing noise control measures.
Noise Measurement
- Baseline Noise Levels: Measuring ambient noise levels in different areas of the workplace.
- Task-Based Noise Levels: Assessing noise levels associated with specific tasks or equipment.
- Personal Noise Exposure: Using dosimeters to monitor individual workers’ noise exposure over their shifts.
Data Analysis
- Noise Mapping: Creating a visual representation of noise levels across the workplace.
- Exposure Assessment: Comparing measured noise levels to the regulatory limits to identify areas of non-compliance.
Reporting
- Detailed Report: Providing a comprehensive report that includes noise level measurements, exposure assessments, and recommendations for noise control measures.
- Compliance Documentation: Ensuring that all findings and recommendations are documented in accordance with legislative requirements.
Follow-Up
- Implementation Support: Assisting with the implementation of recommended noise control measures.
- Re-Assessment: Conducting follow-up assessments to ensure the effectiveness of control measures and ongoing compliance.
Why Choose SERS?
At SERS, we are committed to providing high-quality occupational noise monitoring services that prioritize the health and safety of your workers. Our team of experienced and accredited professionals uses the latest technology and methodologies to deliver accurate and reliable results. We work closely with our clients to develop tailored noise management solutions that meet their specific needs and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
Occupational noise monitoring is essential for protecting workers’ hearing and ensuring a safe and compliant workplace. At SERS, we offer comprehensive noise monitoring services that adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you manage occupational noise in your workplace.